A Slice of Heaven

We all have ideas of what heaven is like. Some think it is a place in the sky; others think it is a state of consciousness. For me the following photo describes my idea of heaven: 

A pile of rescued dogs, all snuggled up in a home filled with love and affection. Absolutely nothing better in my opinion.

These balls of furr live at The Shannon Foundation in St. Clair, Missouri.  Soon they will be joined by some horses who are in need of a home as their owner is soon leaving this planet. The Shannon Foundation is in desperate need of hay for these horses. Because of the drought, there is a hay shortage and the cost of the hay that is available is astronomical. The Shannon Foundation does not have the funds to purchase the hay that is available.  

PLEASE! Consider a donation to The Shannon Foundation. You can donate through their website:

http://www.theshannonfoundation.org/

If you are unable to donate at this time, please share this blog to all your friends.  These beautiful furr babies are eager to welcome some "big guys" into their family so they may have a slice of heaven.  Let's be sure they are given the nourishment they need to enjoy their lives. 

Thank you!

Rainy Days

Another day of rain here in the St. Louis area. Although we were in need of it...enough already! Flooding is already occurring in some parts of the area and more to follow if the rains do not cease soon. We are not able to control Mother Nature but we can accommodate our lifestyles to her whims.  Here are some photos of residents at The Shannon Foundation who have found ways to handle the rain and dreary weather.

and last but not least...

Please make the rain go away. I have rabbits to chase.
I really need to play!  

With this rain The Shannon Foundation may once again experience damage as a result of flooding. Please consider a donation of any amount to go toward expenses for repairs. Fences are still down as a result of previous floods.  Any help is appreciated. Go to the website:

http://www.theshannonfoundation.org/

It is easy to donate with a card or through PayPal. A recurring monthly donation of the price of a cup of coffee at Starbucks goes a long way.  

Please pass this along. Who know what could happen for this wonderful rescue. 

Namaste,

Mareda

Rescued Souls

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a dog person. If given a choice between dogs and people, the dogs win every time.  That being said, I want to take a moment to share that not all rescues are dog specific. There are many rescues who take in horses, cats, chickens, guinea pigs, pigs and more. One such rescue is the Shannon Foundation.

Today I shall share some photos of a few of the "other" rescues who make this place home.

"Auna" Paso is an elderly lady in her mid-30's who resides in the valley. In this photo, she has ventured outside to bask in the sunshine that has been elusive for the last few weeks.  Suffering from cancer, she has experienced a rough winter. Even in the freezing cold though, she knows the warmth of unconditional love.

Another senior is "Ty Murray." Ty is a long-time resident who is more than ready for some warmer weather.  Many years ago, he was found on the side of an interstate. He was a newborn and it would seem his mother gave birth while traveling to slaughter. More than likely he fell through the slates onto the grassy shoulder of the highway. One lucky dude!

Isabeau is a 40 year old beauty who is feeling the years just a bit.  She has been quite ill this winter but as of this writing is doing much better.  Although she lost weight, she is eating and getting back to her old self. With the warmer weather, a recovery is hoped for

Bert aka Dweezie Zappa is a young man who will eventually grow to be 300 to 400 pounds. Other rescues wouldn't take him cause he couldn't be adopted but the Shannon Foundation could. So Dweezie Zappa will live out his life here, enjoying the country life.

Purdy and Lovey all cozy on their cat tower. Although they have a play area outside, they aren't going anywhere cold.

And now two feathered residents:

Hooter

Walter

We've all heard of "all-inclusive" resorts. Here we have an "all-inclusive" rescue/retirement farm where everyone is welcome.  The Shannon Foundation also welcomes donations of all sizes. Become a monthly donor, a one-time donor or go to their Facebook page to watch for needs that come up unexpectedly. 

Here is information:

Website: http://www.theshannonfoundation.org

Facebook page: The Shannon Foundation (choose "place")

There are others living out their lives at The Shannon Foundation.  I hope I've tweaked your interest enough to check it out for yourself. 

Have a beautiful Sunday.

Peace and Blessings!

Mareda

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

The end of 2017 is upon us. In less than 48 hours we will be ringing in 2018. Where does the time go? It seems like it was just the Millennium with everyone so concerned about all the horrific things that were going to happen. We survivied!

This year much of the United States will enter 2018 under a blanket of frigid weather. I look outside as I write this and see a beautiful sunny day. Cold but the weatherman promises much colder weather by midnight on December 31, 2017.

As human beings, we can take whatever actions we need to stay warm and safe. For those people who are homeless or lacking a warm home, there are places and people to help. However, there is a segment of creatures who are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Our animals.

I have a few requests to make:

1. If you have a non-human member of your family, PLEASE be sure they are warm. Keep them inside or do whatever you can to be sure they are warm. Hey, my chickens are in my garage. Weather in the single digits is dangerous for all beings.

2. If you see an animal in distress, find out who can help or do something yourself. How would you feel if you were outside in this cold?

3. Finally as it is the end of the year, consider a gift to a rescue group before midnight December 31, 2017.  Almost all rescue groups are classified as a  501(C)(3) which entitles you to a charitable deduction on your taxes.

I have a few rescue groups that get monthly donations throughout the year. Some of these groups get funding through grants and have a huge following. One rescue that I support is not that fortunate to get grant money and has a much smaller following.

The Shannon Foundation in St. Clair, Missouri could greatly benefit from your donation. How about signing up for a monthly donation. Do you realize if 20 people signed up for a $10 donation a month that would be an additional $200 a month in increased funding for the beautiful animals at this rescue. 

Please check out this organization and KEEP YOUR PETS WARM AND SAFE!

http://www.theshannonfoundation.org/

Here are a few photos of some warm and cozy residents of The Shannon Foundation. 

Tilly & Betty Beagl

Grimm

Nathaniel

Happy New Year!

May this coming year of 2018 be one of Peace and Blessings to one and all.

Mareda

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house, 

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there.

These are some very familiar words heard by many at Christmas. As an avid lover of animals, I often wonder if there is an excitement within each of them at this time of year as well. I know of many furr babies who are involved in gathering gifts for children. Abigail (American Hero Dog 2017) and her sister, Tala, are two rather famous furr babies in Florida who have used their fame for good. Hundreds of children will receive gifts after a hurricane devastated their homes earlier this year. Two furr babies who truly know what this season is all about. 

Then there are those furr babies who give us love and joy just by being who they are.  I think of my Rasha snuggled under the covers on a cold, snowy day in St. Louis.

Her gift to me is love and laughter and that is enough. A precious soul who was rescued from "who knows what."  

There are many others who have had lives that were anything but good.  Many of them live at The Shannon Foundation in St. Clair, Missouri. This is their "forever" home and probably the best one they have ever had.

These beautiful beings of light are together after years of horrific abuse or neglect or just being too damn old. Those who they trusted to take care of them failed; however, there is a place that has not failed them and caregivers who love them and care for them 24/7, when the weather is nice or nasty. 

As this is the season of giving, I am asking all who read this to check in with their heart. Please consider giving to The Shannon Foundation (http://www.theshannonfoundation.org/) Give so these animals can continue to wake up to food, excellent medical care and maybe a treat or two.  They are well cared for now and have always been but anyone who has a non-human family member knows how costly medical care can be. 

Help those who cannot help themselves at this time of year. Remember...

Love is the Reason for the Season. 

Happy Holidays to One and All!

May your New Year be filled with Peace and Blessings!

Mareda

What Makes Your Heart Smile?

What makes your heart happy? What makes it smile? I hope a lot of things make your heart burst with joy. I have many reasons for a happy heart but there is one thing in particular that makes my heart smile: animals who have overcome odds that no one would want; rescue dogs in particular.

One such rescue that makes my heart smile in particular is Rasha aka Rosha of Farmington. Rescued a couple of summers ago, she became a part of my family in December 2015. Ah, yes, this pittie has brought so much joy into my home. She is one of the most gentle dogs I have ever had and also one of the laziest. I just love her to the ends of the earth.

That being said there are many, many more dogs and other non-humans who are not so lucky. These beings have no voice other than ours. Many are abandoned and left to wander the streets alone. They never know a loving home or a full stomach. Some end up in kill-shelters where they cross over the Rainbow Bridge way too soon and all alone. There are some angels here on this earth plane in human form who help these beautiful souls. 

I support a few of the organizations run by these angels but there is one in particular that I want to mention here.  The Shannon Foundation in St. Clair, Missouri is a non-profit tax-exempt charitable foundation,. This organization is not big like Stray Rescue of St. Louis; grants do not help support this organization.  It depends entirely upon donations from people like you and me.

We have survived Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Next comes Cyber Monday. Then comes probably the most important day of this season, Giving Tuesday.

Please! Check out this organization's website 

http://www.theshannonfoundation.org/ 

and consider a gift on this Tuesday. 

If 100 people give $10 this Tuesday, that means $1,000 to help Tillie, Lucy, Jolene, Mose, Jerry and all the other furry and feathered creatures who make this place their home.

Just a few of the beautiful souls living out their lives at 

The Shannon Foundation Farm.

I've met some of these "rescues" and no matter what their "before" was, their "today" is pretty awesome.

Today I ask that you give on "Giving Tuesday" to this organization and if you cannot do that, please share this blog entry. Share it far and wide. You never know who may see it and decide that giving to The Shannon Foundation is a sure way to make their heart smile. 

Rasha hopes you will make her heart smile when she hears about all the funds that have come in to help those at The Shannon Foundation.  Woof!

May your heart smile always and forever.

Peace and blessings,

Mareda

A Guardian Angel Named Tilly

Most of us have been told that we all have a guardian angel watching over us from the time we make our appearance on Planet Earth. I know for a fact that my guardian angel usually works overtime keeping me out of harm's way. Some of us are fortunate to "know" our guardian angel and have the privilege of hugging and loving on them. 

The lady who is the force behind all that goes on at the Shannon Foundation is one of those privileged people.  Her guardian angel has four legs and fur. 

Her name is Tilly and she came to reside at The Shannon Foundation as an out-of-state rescue. Some areas prohibit pit bulls from being adopted out. Tilly was in one of those areas. So Tilly arrived at The Shannon Foundation with a few issues of her own and scars both physical and emotional; however, with training and lots of love, Tilly's issues are part of her past. The Universe knew that Tilly's mission on earth was not complete. Her mission was just beginning. 

Tilly is a special girl who knows her duty is protecting her "mom." She is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any raccoon who has the audacity to even try to steal a chicken for Sunday dinner is fair game. An attack on "mom" or even a threat to attack means that raccoon better skedaddle or plan to meet its maker. 

During snake season, "mom" has a constant companion more protective than any secret service agent. "Mom" moves and Tilly moves. She is on the hunt and has killed more copperheads that I can imagine. Yes, she has been bitten and has scars to prove this, but she has survived. And "mom" has survived. 

I was very blessed to meet Tilly and her "mom" early this fall. Tilly is a joy. She is a sweet loving dog who has saved the life of the human who cares for her many times. To think that this dog was going to be killed because of her breed is despicable. 

Places like The Shannon Foundation are desperately needed to help those who are misunderstood, who are old and ill, who no one wants anymore. Some of the residents at these shelters are misunderstood angels who have a purpose to fulfill. That purpose could be acting as a guardian angel or it just could be to give and accept the love they so long for.

The Shannon Foundation is a non-profit organization who relies on your contributions to care for the well-being of the resident animals.  

PLEASE consider donating. Your donation is tax-deductible. 

http://www.theshannonfoundation.org

Peace and blessings,

Mareda